Dubai International airport implementing facial recognition and Iris on the Move

The Dubai International airport will proceed with its multi-phase implementation of automated iris and face recognition systems at Terminal 3, with the technology to be installed at departure gates in early 2016, according to a report by Khaleej Times.

Emaratech is integrating and deploying a combination of advanced passenger information, biometrics, and SRI International’s Iris on the Move technology (IOM) to provide a seamless experience for all registered Emirate passengers, departing and arriving at the airport, according to Maj-Gen Surour.

“We are coordinating with other partners and the contactless process will be launched in the first quarter of 2016,” said Major General Obaid Muhair bin Surour, Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai.

The contactless departures would be introduced in the first phase, followed by arrivals in the second phase.

As a result, passengers will be able to complete the immigration or e-gates process while on board Emirates planes, prior to landing at Dubai International airport, said Maj-Gen Surour.

In March, Emaratech showcased IOM technology at the Dubai Government Achievements Exhibition (DGAE) in Dubai.

At the time, an Emaratech executive said that the company is working closely with its “strategic partner, the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, to maximize the benefit of having IOM.” He added that IOM technology is “the future of intelligent travelling.”

Dubai International Airport currently has 125 e-gates and smart gates which are able to process passengers who are departing and arriving, all without the use of immigration counters. Users of these gates require mandatory registration of their passport and national ID.

The country’s second airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, does currently not have any e-gates or smart gates, but will install them by next year, said Maj-Gen Surour.

The smart gates are equipped with iris recognition cameras to capture both facial and eye biometrics of registered users.

Using these smart gates, registered users with an electronic passport, Emirates ID, e-gate card, or smartphone are able to complete their immigration process in less than 20 seconds and with the highest security standards.

UAE citizens and residents can enroll their biometrics at any one of the 20 registration stations throughout Dubai to use the smart gates, free of charge.